Crawley Old Girls back in action - 'You don’t realise how much you miss playing until it’s taken away'

The COGs had their first training session back last week - and it was good to be back.

Bates said: “It’s been about five months since we last had an official COGS’ training session, after social distancing was announced and all sport was cancelled. It’s been a difficult time for some, and we’ve all been waiting for the time we could return to football. You don’t realise how much you miss playing until it’s taken away!

“When the Government announced, in June, that one person from six different households could meet outside, there were a few locations in Crawley, where some of the women arranged to have a social distanced kickabout.

“This was a great way to get together and play within the guidelines but also great to see each other again. So, when the FA and Government announced their Guidelines in mid-July, for a return to outdoor grassroots football, there was excitement that we could get back to our normal sessions.”

With a return expected in September for the COGs sessions run by the Crawley Town Community Foundation, that meant another six weeks without their popular structured training, so it was decided to utilise an hour’s session each week, which was being advertised by the Crawley Town.

Bates said: “Procedures were put in place and a date was set for a limited number to return.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t accommodate everyone as we had to limit the session number and the waiting list is now growing, but on August 12, after temperatures were checked and equipment disinfected, we finally got back on the 3G to play.

“It was an hour of excitement, laughter and catching up on the last five months. It made everyone realise just how much playing football is a big part of our lives and how much we missed it.”

Whether you are a beginner with no experience, are returning back to the game or just fancy the slower paced version of Walking Football, there is a COGS’ session available and the first one is free. Please see our website www.crawley-cogs.co.uk for all the information.